exceptional outdoor experiences for all levels
At our core, we’re more than an adventure company; we’re facilitators of transformative experiences where every participant – from complete beginners to seasoned pros – can find challenge, joy and meaningful connection.
Alpine Guiding Partner
Accredited Course Provider
the best adventure regions in victoria
As a Licensed Tour Operator, we have a permit to operate at a number of outdoor locations all across Victoria, Australia. Our events are scheduled all over the state.
Dyurrite/Mt Arapiles
Widely regarded as the top rock climbing area in Australia, is of world renown. More than 4000 routes…
Geboor/Camel’s Hump, Mt Macedon
Steep and solid rock, with a variety of short pumpy sport routes, tall trad lines, and crispy boulder…
Nanadhong/Cathedral Ranges
Part of the traditional lands of the Taungurung people, Sugarloaf Peak (Barralbarayi) in the Cathedral Ranges (Nanadhong) offers…
meet some of our guides
We pride ourselves with being a close knit group of instructors, all certified and qualified, working together to ensure you have an epic and safe adventure outdoors.
Aaron Lowndes
Founder of Melbourne Climbing School, and now director and main shareholder of The Climbing Company, Aaron has 3 decades of rock-climbing experience. He has travelled all over the world in pursuit of amazing rock, and enjoys classic low-grade adventure routes just as much as harder technical climbing. Aaron has spent countless weekends voluntarily teaching organised groups rock climbing safety skills, and has facilitated hundreds of new climbers in their transition onto real rock. Now fully qualified and with a thriving business, Aaron is fully committed to the rock climbing industry, and is a current board member of the Australian Climbing Instructor’s Association (ACIA).
Hamid Shafaghi
Having written two instruction manuals for Navigation training in Iran, plus another for Bigwall climbing, Hamid is the founder of these courses in Iran and has taught them in Iran, Europe, and Australia.
Hamid operates his own Iran-based guiding business, and spends his Australia-based months running courses, guiding and ski touring. Make sure to check out skitouring.com.au as well!
Louise Shepherd
Co-founder of The Climbing Company (1988-2010), Louise Shepherd helped establish Australia’s first rock climbing school based at Mt Arapiles. A trailblazing climber who broke barriers for women in the sport, Louise spent over two decades guiding thousands of students through their climbing journeys. Now semi-retired but still occasionally active, she focuses her extensive experience on mentoring young women climbers. Her deep knowledge of Mt Arapiles, combined with her passion for making climbing accessible and empowering, continues to inspire new generations of climbers when she joins our guiding team.
Simon Mentz
Co-author of the acclaimed “Arapiles Selected Climbs” guidebook and one of Australia’s most respected climbing instructors, Simon Mentz brings unparalleled expertise to our guiding team. Based in Natimuk just minutes from Mt Arapiles, Simon has established numerous first ascents including the iconic free route on Tasmania’s Totem Pole. With decades of experience guiding everyone from beginners to advanced climbers, his patient teaching style and encyclopedic knowledge of local climbing make him invaluable for school programs and private instruction. When not guiding, you’ll find this dedicated community member playing for the Natimuk Rams, where he recently celebrated his 400th game.
we’re here to provide exceptional & safe outdoor experiences
as guides we are committed to:
- Sharing the joy of climbing
- Promoting safe practices
- Conscientious outdoor use
as Employers We are committed to:
- Making guiding a sustainable and enjoyable employment choice
- Supporting our most experienced guides
from solo summits to shared adventures
Co-Owned by Aaron Lowndes and Hamid Shafaghi, The Climbing Company brings together ‘Melbourne Climbing School’ and ‘Climb Co’ as one outdoor collective bringing you the best Victorian outdoor adventures with the highest certified instructors.
always fun. always safe.
We’re fully insured and have partnered up with other passionate companies to ensure that our trips are high on experience, low on environmental impact and absolutely safe. All our instructors are certified and qualified to ensure you’re in safe hands.
Alpine Guiding Partner
Accredited Course Provider
adventures for everyone
Aaron took great care to ensure our safety at all times, thoroughly explaining the purpose of every piece of personal protective equipment and making sure we were properly geared up. His focus on safety and adherence to best practices gave us real peace of mind and allowed us to fully enjoy the adventure.
He encouraged and motivated us constantly, creating a comfortable and fun atmosphere. There was never any rush; Aaron was patient and let us take our time to adjust to the experience, always checking in to see that we felt comfortable and confident.
Thanks to Aaron’s professionalism and passion, we had an unforgettable day and felt empowered to push our limits. Great job Aaron — we can’t wait to join you for another adventure soon!